I hate to interrupt the East Coast vs. West Coast feud :>) .... but I've got lots of news and info on Trader Sam's coming to the Polynesian. I spoke with Steve "Tikiman" Seifert last week and he gave me lots of info from what he considers very reliable sources ...

Update: Trader Sam’s could be key part of Disney World’s Polynesian Resort refurbishment

New reports have surfaced about renovations at Disney World’s Polynesian Resort that indicate the precise location of Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, plus a subtle re-theming in the spirit of the Disney parks’ iconic Adventureland. The massive construction project that may eventually bring the popular Disneyland lounge to the East Coast now appears certain to begin in September.

A few highlights:

* Work should begin on the Great Ceremonial House (photo above) next year, paired with the work on the pool.

* The view of the lagoon is crucial to the redesign, Seifert said. This means removing or significantly scaling back the huge volcano slide at the pool and greatly expanding the patio area between the pool and the quick-service restaurant Captain Cook’s Snack Company. This is also the likely home of Trader Sam’s (see photo below).

* The layout would be similar to the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, where the Tangaroa Terrace adjoins and provides food for Trader Sam’s. Those establishments also share a large outdoor patio.

* The refurbishment will evoke the look and feel of Adventureland and the Adventurer’s Club. Seifert said he doesn’t think it will be too kitschy, but more like Disney going back to its roots with "more details and special touches."

* The Tambu Lounge will likely remain as a service bar for the second floor restaurants ('Ohana and Kona Cafe). But those restaurants, as well as the bar, could see a total re-theming as well.

Click below for my full report, including a recipe for the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum at Trader Sam's ...

"There is also word that Trader Sam’s is expected to be completed by February 2015 but no start date has been mentioned. Not too long ago, people were being told by CMs at the resort that Trader Sam's was not going to happen. I think with all the information now out there about things going on at the resort a lot of false rumors are starting to be spread."

Yeah this is a pretty hot topic over at the WDWmagic forums. A lot of false rumors/poor ideas are easily spread. I feel like there's a lot of misunderstanding over Sam's in general on the Florida end.
_________________Follow me on Instagram
http://www.instagram.com/keithkocka

Yeah, the hardcore Disney (especially WDW) fans can be "rabid," to say the least. They're currently freaking out because the Magic Kingdom got rid of a talking trash can (don't ask).

But with construction at the Poly perhaps stretching into 2016 or beyond, it makes sense that they would try to quickly build out Trader Sam's (and perhaps a stand-alone Dole Whip shop) to add amenities and keep the natives happy. Not to mention keep the hotel solidly booked.

Disney World announces refurbishment schedule for Polynesian Resort, but no word on Trader Sam’s
One year from now, stepping into Disney’s Polynesian Resort in Orlando could be a much different experience. With construction on the 42-year-old iconic hotel’s timeshare additions in full swing, work appears to be moving forward on the resort’s nerve center, the Great Ceremonial House.

We were there last week @ Ohana's had what they called a Zombie(NOT)food & service was also a bit off from prior visits. Hope the Poly refurb will look into lighting, the ground floor is so dark need a miners carbide lamp to see. Thortiki

I've had similar experiences at the Tambu Lounge. When I asked the bartenders specific questions about the pedigree of their cocktail recipes, they have politely conceded that theirs are "the Disney versions." I took that to mean fewer ingredients, less expensive ingredients, and therefore less complexity and balance than what we are accustomed to in the authentic recipes. In other words, "tourist fare" which appeals to a very broad audience who generally have less discriminating taste. The dining at O'hana is always wonderful and fun even if it is a bit pricey.
_________________

We stayed at the Polynesian last week, as well. That was my first time there and I really dug the whole vibe -- especially around the Tambu and 'Ohana. Count me among those who would love to see a Trader Sam's at the Polynesian, PROVIDED they do it right and don't cheapen it. We took our 3-year old daughter, so we were room-bound fairly early, but ordered a Zombie through room service. When I called to order, I asked if they made a Zombie and the CM said she had to look it up to see if that was on the list -- after taking a few moments to look, she reported that it was. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't a real zombie, either. The bartender had evidently added the bitters on top after he poured it, so my first sip (don't know why I didn't use a straw) was rather bitter. Wish I had stirred it all up first, but even though I probably consumed all of the bitters in that first sip, the rest of the drink still seemed balanced and not overly sweet, as was my fear when I took the gamble in ordering it.

Good call, a very brave cocktail order! Being adventurous and willing to take a chance on things has led to many discoveries for me, some good, some not so good. I find that the good discoveries outweigh all the other bad.

Bartenders are often improvisational artists. Their bar is their palette, and your palate is their canvas.
_________________

On 2014-02-19 08:34, AceExplorer wrote:Bartenders are often improvisational artists. Their bar is their palette, and your palate is their canvas.

Like all improv artists, they're often bad. I imagine when Sam's is at the Poly, Tambu will have a revised recipe for their Mai Tai.
_________________Follow me on Instagram
http://www.instagram.com/keithkocka